3rd degree tear- undissolved stitches? Really need some advice

[russianroulette]

Had nasty 3rd degree tear a couple of months ago with birth of my dd. Baby came out with arm over her head- apparently this is what caused such bad tearing, up to this point was doing really well, no pain relief, medical intervention etc. Spent the next 4 hrs being stitched up in hospital. Finally starting to feel a bit more normal but am obsessing that I still have undissolved sutures near my bum. The skin around my bottom is inflamed and itchy and sometimes I can feel a sharp digging sensation especially if I stand up. BUT my gp and midwife tell me this pain cant be due to stitches as its round the perianal area and not where I was stitched up! So why does it feel so sore, its a bit of a coincidence if its not due to the tear, surely? Just read a thread where a lady said she had a tear extending into her bum cheek, so surely this does happen? Sorry if I'm not making much sense, feel hysterical about whole thing. Have been told my gp that even if pain was due to undissolved stitch they cant do anything as its deep under the skin and I'd basically just have to wait. Have then scared myself rigid by reading stories about people who've got undissolved sutures from operations years ago...

[SoupDragon]

Piles?

[psychomum5]

has anybody actually looked since your 6wks check???

if not, then go and explain and ask if someone can give you and examination as you should not have problems from stitches still.

[russianroulette]

Yes, had several medical people look. Latest one seemed to think it was some sort of rash and advised seeing the gp in the practice who specialised in dermatology. I'm not convinced its not related to childbirth though, never had any problems with my arse until giving birth..

[mamatilly]

sorry i don't have any solutions but am sending you a big hug xxx

[Seeline]

Poor you - I really sympathise, as had bad tear with my first. It may sound daft, but I felt really uncomfortable, not just from the stiches but from where I 'd been shaved. While the new pubes were growing through it was realy sore! Suppose I should have got waxed before but had other things on my mind

[tiggerlovestobounce]

Apparently it is not unheard of to use non disolving sutures to repair bad tears.
Some people think it gives a better result, as the sutures are around longer holding it all together while your body heals.
The sutures do go away eventually (even though they are called non-dissolving), but it takes months.

So it is possible that you are right, but if so it will still be OK, will just take a little longer to go away.

Would it be an option for them to refer you back to the hospital where you gave birth? if someone there could have a look at your notes when they examine you then they would be able to give you a better idea of how likely it it.